Monday, November 8, 2010

Roco Revival

Recently, I have had a fascination with Rococo design. The swift curves of Rococo design replaced Baroque design in the late 18th century. The artists became extremely more ornate in their designs compared to that of Baroque. In addition, symmetry was become less important in this design. Some of the design objects used for architectural and interior purposes were mirrors, furniture, sculptures, tapestries, and wall paintings.
The word rococo came from the French term rocaille which means stone and the French word coquilles which means shell. These terms were used in naming the Rococo design because the artists relied heavily on these motifs in order to achieve an elegant, ornate style. 

Rococo first made its appearance in interior work and is closely associated with Louis XIV reign in France. He is the one who brought a change in style and thus the artists adapted. The height of the Rococo revival was in the 1730’s—it was visible everywhere and it began to spread throughout other parts of Europe such as Germany and Austria. 
I think its highly ornate motifs and delicate style gave it such an attractive appearance making it very popular in France. It represents over the top, exquisite, and expensive taste I believe this is what the French had in mind (or at least Louis XIV’s mind) when Rococo style was established and utilized. The French wanted to be known for their exquisite taste.

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